Drug abuse can easily escalated to a full blow drug addiction. Brain changes that occur over time from drug use affect an addicted person’s self control, judgment and emotions and limit the ability to resist the intense impulses to take drugs. Drug addiction is a complex disease as drugs change the brain in profound ways that then foster compulsive drug abuse. Quitting can be difficult and requires more than will power alone.

The holiday season can be stressful for all of us, whether we are in recovery or not. Overindulging in everything from food to alcohol, over-spending seems to be in vogue, and then we are expected to “hit the reset button” come January 1st. Living in excess is not particularly healthy for anyone, but for those of us in early recovery, trying to avoid it can be extremely daunting.

Here are 6 tips for helping you survive the holidays in recovery by celebrating with sobriety.

1. Plan Ahead

Doing some planning around the holidays can help decrease the stress associated with having to get through them without losing one’s sobriety. First, it is important to talk to close friends and family members who will be attending parties and gatherings with you and ensure that everyone understands what you want them to say to others who may ask why you are not drinking. There is nothing worse than someone approaching family members asking why you are not partaking in the holiday cheer and your family not knowing what to say, or perhaps telling more information about your situation than you are comfortable sharing. Having this conversation well ahead of time can spare everyone involved the worry and possible hurt feelings and anger that could occur if we decide to “wing it” with regards to how to handle questions.

2. Be Accountable

Have someone hold you accountable before and after holiday events. “Bookending” with a friend, a family member, a therapist or a sponsor can really help put you in the mind frame to hold your boundaries and stay true to your sobriety. It can also help you feel that you are supported and that you do not have to do this alone!

3. Bring a Buddy

If possible, bring a recovery friend or sober buddy along with you to parties. Feeling as though you have an ally in the room can decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness as well as social anxiety.

Also, have a non-alcoholic drink in your hand at parties or gatherings to avoid having people offer you drinks and/or questioning why you are not drinking.

4. Self Care

Practice self care. Although others may be overindulging, there is no reason to feel deprived during the holiday season. In addition to ensuring that you are getting proper sleep, nutrition and exercise, consider treating yourself to a massage, manicure, yoga class or spa afternoon.

5. Start New Traditions

Create new holiday traditions that do not focus on alcohol or other excesses. Consider starting a holiday get-together for your recovery friends that focuses on the importance of recovery and the gifts of sobriety.

6. Prevent Cravings

Always remember the HALT acronym. Do not let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Often cravings occur when we are experiencing these feelings, so recognizing them and working a bit harder to prevent them can make maintaining recovery much easier, especially during the holiday season, when we are all a bit more vulnerable to these emotions.

Celebrate Sober!

There is no reason you can’t enjoy yourself during the Holidays, but do plan ahead and follow these 6 tips to help you stay sober and happy.

If you or someone you love would like more information or help with addiction or drug or alcohol abuse, contact New Hope Recovery Center at 773-883-3916 or info@new-hope-recovery.com

We are entering the time of year when parties, family get-togethers and excessive eating, drinking and merriment can create difficult or at least tricky situations for those in recovery. Thanksgiving in particular can be a challenging time. Family interaction is often expected and it may be the first family get-together in a while.

6 Tips for Having a Happy and Sober Thanksgiving:

1. Review the Past. If you are planning to be with family or friends during Thanksgiving, reflect on past Thanksgivings. Were they stressful? Was there a great deal of drinking and partying? Did family members fight or bring up and/or re-inflict old wounds? Did you feel comfortable and at ease?

By reviewing the past, you can look for things that may temp you to drink or use again. When and where do you think your buttons will be pushed? What situations or encounters led you to feel stressed, angry, sad or hurt in the past? Just because you are sober doesn’t mean that things will be drastically different. Hope for the best, plan for the worst and be ready for everything. Being prepared is the best thing you can do.

2. Plan Your Entrance. Now that you have reviewed where you could feel stressed, anxious, irritated/angry or triggered, plan how you will attend. Is it better to go early and get comfortable? Is it better to go later, to avoid certain encounters? Is it better to go with a sober friend or family member?

Perhaps it is better to not attend at all? If that is the case, is there a way you can communicate with your family to express your thankfulness for them, but yet keep yourself safe? Look for sober friends you can celebrate with. If you decide that it would not be healthy for you to be around family and old friends during Thanksgiving, plan something special with others.

3. Plan Your Exit. Before you go, plan on how long you think you can comfortably stay. If you know from past experience that staying for a full day, or a full holiday weekend will be too much or dangerous to your sobriety, then plan your visit accordingly. Let your family know about your plans ahead of time. This will help you set realistic expectations and allow others to understand your plans. Be prepared to leave even earlier than you may have originally planned if you are triggered or feel unmanageable stress, anxiety or anger. It is acceptable to explain that you feel you need to leave early.

4. Have Support Ready. Let your support group and sober friends know about your plans and any difficulties that may arise or did arise in the past. Tell them your travel days and times. Have a person available you can call if things get difficult. Or perhaps ask someone to go with you.

If you decide that you cannot safely attend your family’s Thanksgiving, see what sober events are available near you. Thanksgiving can be triggering even without family and old friends around. It can also be lonely…most restaurants and stores (although fewer each year) are closed. So plan ahead to share your Thanksgiving with others. One great way to spend Thanksgiving is to volunteer at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter for the day. It can be an incredibly moving experience that will fill you with gratitude.

5. Be Honest and Realistic. It's best to be open about your addiction and recovery with family and friends. At a minimum be clear about your boundaries and rules. At a minimum tell your family that you are not drinking or using during the visit.

You should feel wonderful about your sobriety, however, don’t expect that everything within your family will be drastically different immediately. People change and evolve in small steps, so look for tiny increments of change. Sure, you are different, but give your family time to actually see and experience the difference. Seeing truly is believing for family and friends, especially those you may have hurt in the past.

6. Be Grateful and Enjoy – Now that you have planned ahead, you can relax and enjoy your Thanksgiving. Relaxing during a holiday isn’t always easy, so remember to breathe deeply. Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to being grateful, so think of at least three things you are grateful for, and try not to stop with three. Our entire world changes when we see the world through gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you or a loved one would like help with an addiction, you can contact New Hope Recovery Center for assistance. 888-707-4673 or info@new-hope-recovery.com

Addiction doesn’t happen in a bubble, it has a way of altering a family and the interactions of family members. The effect addiction in the family has becomes quite apparent when we look at the dysfunctional communication roles that family members often take on. These interactions are fittingly called The Drama Triangle. There are three roles in the Drama Triangle and each one is reactive and manipulative instead of honest and authentic.

What Are The Roles People Play When Addiction Exists In A Family?

Victim: This person continually feels victimized for what others are doing to him or her. They feel helpless and hopeless. Victims typically have unrealistic expectations and feel despair, vulnerability, and suffer chronic disappointment. Victims or martyrs tend to communicate in passive ways. The victim avoids responsibility by blaming others and trying to control them with guilt. This person feels “less than” the persecutor and often receives pity and is taken care of by the rescuer.

Persecutor: This person acts out in order to get revenge and/or offend others, as a way of avoiding his or her own discomfort. Persecutors often communicate in an aggressive way. They blame and criticize others. They see everything as win/lose and insist on “being right”. This person feels “better than” the victim and uses intimidation and threats to feel power and try to boost self-esteem.

Rescuer: This person is a natural caretaker and very non-confrontational. They keep secrets and enable addictive behaviors. Rescuers provide unasked help (while neglecting themselves) and often feel tired, depleted, unappreciated, and resentful. Rescuers communicate in a passive-aggressive way. This person feels superior to both the persecutor and the victim. Rescuers concentrate on others in an effort to avoid turning inward.

If you see yourself in different roles in different situations, that is expected!

People will start in one role and often move around the triangle to different roles, sometimes within one interaction. For instance, consider an alcoholic who is out late drinking while their partner is at home worried. The alcoholic may come home to an angry partner (persecutor role) and instantly be in the victim role but then try to turn the blame onto his/her partner (therefore reversing the roles). The interaction may then evolve further with the partner helping the alcoholic to bed and calling into work on his/her behalf the next day (rescuing role).

Also, don’t forget this is the drama triangle, so these roles are assumed when things are going awry. These are not permanent roles. However, as we know as an addiction progresses things go awry more and more often.

Why Would Anyone Participate In The Drama Triangle?

We take on these roles because subconsciously there is a perceived benefit to each one.

The victim receives pity and doesn’t need to take full responsibility for their actions.

The rescuer feels superior although over time they feel unappreciated, frustrated and tired from their attempts to rescue.

The persecutor feels a sense of power and entitlement and demands respect from others.

But these benefits are really an illusion, Claude Steiner comments, “The victim is not really as helpless as he feels, the rescuer is not really helping, and the persecutor does not really have a valid complaint.” All the roles have something in common: by taking on a role, you don’t have to deal with your own issues or take responsibility for your own actions. The roles serve the purpose of getting our adult needs met but in immature ways. All three roles share a lack of boundaries and hinder one’s ability to be intimate and/or respond to others appropriately.

How To Step Out Of The Drama Triangle?

The only person you can control is yourself. You can begin to step out of the unmanageability of the drama triangle by:

Recognizing that there is a Drama Triangle that is not working

Setting healthy boundaries

Taking responsibility for your own actions

Speaking honestly, calmly saying what you really mean

Having respect for yourself and others

Valuing the relationships more than being right, or better than

If you or a loved one is repeatedly in The Drama Triangle because of addiction. You can get help getting out by contacting New Hope Recover Center at info@new-hope-recovery.com or 773-883-3916. For more information about us visit our website at www.new-hope-recovery.com.

Xanax, generically known as alprazolam, is one of the most widely-abused prescription drugs in this country. As prescriptions for this highly addictive drug rise, the rates of abuse and dependence increase as well. As many have discovered, Xanax is highly addictive.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine in the sedative-hypnotic class of drugs. It is generally prescribed to treat panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, some forms of generalized anxiety or social anxiety disorder and some phobias. Like other sedative-hynotics, Xanax is also prescribed for difficulty falling asleep. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, and like alcohol, work to slow down the brain’s activity as well as block the “alarm system”, which is responsible for excessive levels of anxiety.

Although Xanax may be prescribed legally by a physician, abuse and dependence can occur. For many it is a highly addictive drug.

The crushing and snorting of Xanax has recently become more widespread, making the dangers of this drug even higher. When snorting Xanax, the effects are felt faster. Xanax abuse among teens is on the rise, as they have easy access to these drugs out of their home medicine cabinet if a family member is prescribed them as a PRN or “as needed”.

Xanax bars (also known as zanies or planks) are 2mg elongated bars that can be split or quartered. People who are abusing Xanax may take multiple bars at a time or combine them with alcohol or other drugs. One of the effects of a Xanax high is memory loss, causing the user to forget he/she has taken the drug or how much has been ingested. This can lead to overdose.

Signs Of Xanax Abuse:

Indications of Xanax abuse are: 1) taking Xanax in dosages higher than prescribed, 2) taking Xanax without a prescription, and/or 3) taking Xanax for the sole purpose of getting “high”. A person abusing Xanax may exhibit slurred speech, decreased motor coordination, impaired memory, sleepiness, lethargy and lightheadedness. Xanax, especially in larger dosages or combined with alcohol (which can be extremely dangerous) can provide a crippling high that is similar to being drunk. The high is achieved quickly, within 5-10 minutes of taking it.

Signs Of Xanax Dependence:

Physical dependence on Xanax can occur within just a few weeks of taking the drug regularly, even at prescribed dosages. According to the DSM IV-TR, tolerance is one of the hallmarks of dependence. Tolerance develops as the body adjusts to the presence of the substance and requires more of the drug to achieve the similar effects. Once there is physical dependence, withdrawal effects can be felt when stopping the drug immediately. If you are taking a Benzodiazepine, you must consult a doctor before discontinuing the drug, as stopping the drug abruptly will lead to seizures and potentially death.

Xanax dependence tends to develop slowly over time and without the user or family members noticing. However, once a dependence or addiction exists, one will begin to appear “checked out” or “zoned out” frequently. He/she will not be able to be present emotionally for family members, and may have difficulty remembering conversations, etc. and will often deny there is a problem.

Xanax Detox:

Stopping Xanax or any other benzodiazepine once there is physical dependence can result in seizures, suicidal thoughts and even death, so should be done with medical involvement. Xanax addiction often requires a detoxification period which can last 5-10 days and is done in a medical setting under a physician’s care. Following this, one may, depending on the severity of the addiction, opt to go into a residential treatment facility or intensive outpatient treatment program. Abstinence from all mood and mind altering drugs will be necessary during this recovery process. Ideally constructive coping skills will be learned that will aid in handling anxiety so that addictive drugs are no longer needed.

If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction to or is abusing prescription drugs, seek help immediately. Prescription drug abuse is dangerous. New Hope Recovery Center offers individualized treatment for prescription drugs and for many other addictions. You can reach us at 888-707-HOPE (4673) or info@new-hope-recovery.com.

Ambien, the brand name of the generic drug zolpidem, is a widely-prescribed, and also widely abused drug. According to the National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health, about 30-40% of adults say they have some symptoms of insomnia within a given year. Another 10-15% of the adult US population report chronic insomnia, which is defined as the inability to fall and/or stay asleep more nights than not, for at least 3 weeks. Ambien is generally prescribed for insomnia and sleep issues, but unlike many other sleep aids classified as barbituates, it falls into a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics.

As many of us know, insomnia and difficulty sleeping contribute to increased stress levels, depression, irritability and trouble functioning at work. Making lifestyle changes takes time, and creating better sleep hygiene, exercising more and decreasing stress are often not easy to do. Rather than wait weeks for results, many turn to the prescription drug Ambien for fast and effective relief.

The Dangers of Ambien/Zolpidem

One of the dangers of Ambien is its amnestic effect, in which someone under the influence of the drug can go into a blackout state and have no memory of his/her activities after taking Ambien. This effect tends to be heightened when the drug is taken on an empty stomach. Ambien’s warning label includes side effects of: sleep driving, sleep eating and sleep sex. Once under the influence of Ambien, a user can easily forget that he/she has taken the drug and may take more. It is also not uncommon for people to attempt to do regular activities after taking Ambien, such as making phone calls, writing emails, driving cars, completing things for work, etc. and then have no recollection of it the following day. There have been numerous car accidents allegedly caused by the sleep driving effects of Ambien. The National Sleep Foundation has been an advocate about the dangers of drowsy driving and the dangers that are associated with it. They claim that drowsy driving is just as fatal as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as drowsiness will effect your reaction time, the awareness of one's surroundings, and impairs your judgement.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the number of emergency department visits involving adverse reactions to the sleep medication zolpidem rose nearly 220% from 6,111 visits in 2005 to 19,487 visits in 2010. SAMHSA also finds that in 2010 patients aged 45 or older represented about three-quarters (74 %) of all emergency department visits involving adverse reactions to zolpidem.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently required that the zolpidem dosage for females be cut in half, because zolpidem affects females differently from males. It was found that the drug tended to be processed much slower in females. Ellis Unger, MD, director of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation I reported it was unusual for the dosing recommendations to be different based on gender.

Ambien Addiction or Dependence

Many people do not know or do not fully understand that Ambien can be extremely habit forming. Originally, it was thought that zolpidem was not very addictive, in comparison to barbiturates. However, more studies are showing that dependence on Zolpidem can develop. A Study indicates that the use of zolpidem among adolescents has become a dangerous concern. Taking the drug on a regular basis almost always results in tolerance, meaning that more and more of the drug will be required to achieve the desired effect.

Ambien is prescribed to be taken immediately before bedtime because effects of the drug can be felt within minutes. However, many people abuse the intense sedative and hypnotic effects of the drug and stay up in order to “overcome” the effects of the Ambien. When purposely staying awake after taking Ambien, intense highs can be felt, leaving the user feeling euphoric and calm.

Like any other drug with abuse potential, it is very possible to become addicted and dependent upon Ambien, to the point that one cannot cut down or stop the use, becomes obsessed with obtaining and using the Ambien, and continuing to use Ambien despite negative consequences. If you or someone you know may be addicted to Ambien, it is important to consider getting a chemical dependency evaluation to see if treatment may be necessary. Once Ambien dependence is present, it can be very dangerous to stop the drug without the use of trained medical professionals. Remember, even if a drug is prescribed by a doctor, clients can abuse it or become dependent.

For more information about finding a treatment center right for you, contact New Hope Recovery Center. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, it is important to call and go in for an assessment with a professional. All assessments at New Hope Recovery Center are confidential with no obligation for further treatment. Recovery is possible, let us help. Call us at 888-707-4673 or email us at info@new-hope-recovery.com.

Want more information about prescription drugs? Check out our Journal for related articles or see below:

Prescription Drug Abuse and Addiction Prescription drug abuse and addiction is something frequently over looked. Stigma is guided by perception and in the field of addiction there is a hierarchy of stigma. A common stigma easily identified is the public perception surrounding licit and illicit drugs. Alcohol is perceived as a lesser evil because it is a legal substance, whereas heroin for instance is perceived as one of the most dangerous and hardcore drugs because it is illegal. Alcohol is in fact one of the most dangerous and toxic substances that people abuse and yet it continues to carry less of a social stigma. Prescription pills are perceived as more socially acceptable because they are legal substances that are prescribed by doctors. However, prescription pills often get acquired illicitly and subsequently abused.

5 Things Parents Need to Know About Prescription Drug Abuse Parents of Emerging Adults (ages 18-late 20′s) are important partners in the prevention of drug abuse. In New Hope Recovery Center’s continuing efforts to assist parents, we want to pay special attention to a serious problem impacting Emerging Adults: prescription drug abuse which is the intentional use of medication without a prescription. Parents may not be unaware of how serious this problem has become, so we want to share 5 must-know facts for parents of Emerging Adults.

Prescription Drug Rehab: 5 Important Questions to Ask Looking for Prescription Drug Rehab? You are not alone. Prescription drugs have become a serious concern. In 2013, nearly 60% of all drug overdose deaths resulted from prescription drugs. Approximately two thirds of prescription drug abusers get them from family and/or friends. If you believe someone you know is abusing or addicted to prescription drugs, look for these prescription drug warning signs.

Most Abused Prescription Drugs The abuse of prescription drugs has been on an increase for many years. Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and the Center’s Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically.

Warning Signs for Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drugs are often abused or misused. Like all types of abuse and addiction there is usually a component of secrecy or denial surrounding the problem. According toFoundation for a Drug-Free World here are some warning signs that someone is abusing prescription drugs.

Looking into addiction treatment programs (rehab) for yourself or a loved one can seem overwhelming. Generally life is already stressful and unmanageable. Trying to understand what options are available within the treatment world and what would work best is not an easy task. To give you a starting point, here are 5 frequently asked questions about rehab and addiction treatment that will lead you in the right direction.

1. How Much Does Addiction Treatment Cost?

The cost of treatment varies greatly based on the provider. It could be free or it could cost over $50,000.00. Many addiction treatment services are covered by insurance. However, insurance coverage varies greatly by the carrier and the client's specific policy. Some treatment centers don't accept insurance, which means you may need to pay out of pocket at admission, and the provider will "Super Bill" you meaning you pay cash and they give you a bill to submit to insurance yourself. Insurance does not reimburse this amount at 100% or sometimes at all, which can be financially draining on the client and their family members. To avoid this, call your insurance carrier and ask them who is in network, your insurance company should be able to give you a list of facilities to choose from.

New Hope Recovery Center takes most major insurance and can check your benefits for you to determine what coverage you or your loved one has for addiction treatment. Its important for treatment centers to review your insurance benefits with you and let you know if there are any costs you will need to pay prior to admission. Unexpected financial burdens can just cause more heartache during the recovery process, so if you ask the right questions up front, you should be able to alleviate unexpected bills later on down the road. Some questions that will be helpful when finding out about your insurance coverage are: (1) Is there is a deductible and if so, how much has been met? Are there any co-pays? (2) Is pre-certification required? (3) Do you need a PCP (primary care physician) referral (HMO policies only)? (4) If there is a maximum out of pocket cost and if so, how much has been met? (5) Is there a maximum number of sessions available?

If you do not have insurance and cannot afford out of pocket expenses, state funded programs may be available in your area. Unfortunately, many state funded programs have wait lists and it can be difficult to qualify for treatment. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get in treatment. Always leave your name on the wait-list, they occasionally go quicker than than expected. Not all treatment centers participate in state funded options, but some may have scholarship opportunities or sliding scales. The important thing is to ask the questions about cost before your loved one gets admitted. It is important to remember, some people need to go to treatment more than once to obtain long term recovery, so find a place that fits your needs and is within your budget, paying tens of thousands of dollars on a treatment center will not guarantee your loved one will stay sober.

2. How Long Does Treatment Last?

Treatment will depend on the severity and/or type of addiction(s) a person suffers from. Treatment may range from:

Hospital based detoxification – Generally 3 to 7 days

Residential treatment program – 30 to 60 days

Partial Hospital Program (Day Program) – 1 to 4 weeks

Intensive Outpatient Program – 4 to 6 weeks

Aftercare Program - 6 to 24 months

Providers offer different levels of treatment, you may need to go to a hospital for detoxification, and then transfer to a residential facility for treatment depending on the provider's continuum of care. Many treatment programs works with each other to ensure a smooth transition from one treatment center to another.

3. How Do I Know What Treatment Program Will Work For Me?

Treatment will only really work for you if you work it. Most addicts exhibit impulsive, compulsive, and obsessive thoughts and behaviors which will need to be overcome in order to succeed in rehab. Also other areas of life can directly affect the chances of a successful treatment outcome. Having supportive friends and family, living in a safe environment, devoting time to your recovery can all increase the chances of a successful recovery. It is essential to be open, honest and willing to do whatever is necessary to begin living a sober life. What you put into it will be what you get out of it. It is important to put recovery first.

When looking into a treatment program, ask what the program consists of, visit the location, meet with counselors and staff. Most treatment centers will offer a free assessment to determine what level of care is most appropriate. The best treatment facility for you is one where you feel comfortable, where you feel welcomed and where you will want to stay.

4. What Kind Of Family Involvement Is Needed?

For the best possible treatment results, family involvement is crucial. Addiction is a family disease, which means treating one member of the family will not ensure long term recovery for the family. It affects everyone in the family and so the family must work toward wellness. Even if there have been previous treatment episodes, family involvement is one of the most effective ways to heal the family and its members. Some providers have extended family programs which include support groups, such as, Al-anon and Family Anonymous.

5. What Is The Process For Getting Into Rehab For Addiction?

The process begins by calling and speaking with an intake person and/or a certified alcohol and drug counselor who can answer any questions you may have. If you and the treatment center feel there is a good fit based on your situation, there will usually be an assessment to establish the severity of the addiction and other problem(s) and to determine what level of treatment is necessary. Information about the process at New Hope Recovery Center: Admissions Process.

Addiction is a progressive and fatal disease. The longer an addicted person remains in treatment, the better the outcome.

For more information about finding a treatment center right for you, contact New Hope Recovery Center. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, it is important to call and go in for an assessment with a professional. All assessments at New Hope Recovery Center are confidential with no obligation for further treatment. Recovery is possible, let us help. Call us at 888-707-4673 or email us at info@new-hope-recovery.com.

If you are considering addiction treatment, you may find these articles helpful as well:

There are differences between the men and women who enter drug rehab and alcohol rehab for substance abuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) conducts a census of all yearly admissions to addiction treatment facilities that are reported to SAMHSA. A report issued in April 2014 shows the results from 2011 as compiled by SAMHSA. Interesting differences between men’s and women’s use of drugs and alcohol are highlighted.

More Men Than Women in Rehab. The SAMHSA report shows the gender differences and primary substance of abuse across different age groups. The numbers show that of those who enter treatment (or rehab) for substance abuse 1/3rd are women and 2/3rd of them are men. This is an increase from findings even in the last decade that showed 1 woman to every 4 men entering treatment.

Younger Females (Ages 12-17) Equal to Younger Males in Rehab. Men 18 and older have almost twice the rate of substance dependence as women. However, the rates for males and females are about the same for adolescents age 12 to 17.

Younger Women (Ages 12-17) Are Twice as Likely to Report Alcohol as Primary Substance of Abuse Versus Young Men (21.7% vs. 10.5%)

Women More Likely to Abuse Prescription Drugs Versus Men. The SAMHSA report found statistically significant differences between the primary substance of abuse for women and men. For instance, women are more likely to abuse prescription pills as their primary drug compared to men. In the 65 and older bracket women are almost 3 times more likely to primarily abuse prescription pain relievers compared to men.

Young Men More Likely to Abuse Marijuana vs. Young Women. Women were less likely to abuse marijuana compared to men in the 12 to 17 and 18 to 24 age brackets.

Women More Likely to Abuse Methamphetamine/Amphetamines. Women 18 to 34 are significantly more likely than men to abuse methamphetamines/amphetamines as their primary drug of abuse.

Gender Differences and Primary Substances of Abuse

There is no denying that women suffer from the disease of addiction differently than men. The research also shows that women have better outcomes in treatment when they have gender-specific programming. New Hope Recovery Center is proud to offer gender-specific programming to meet the unique needs of women. Our staff is culturally competent and attuned to helping women find their place in recovery. For more information please call 888-707-HOPE (4673) or email us at info@new-hope-recovery.com.

Looking for Prescription Drug Rehab? You are not alone. Prescription drugs have become a serious concern. In 2013, nearly 60% of all drug overdose deaths resulted from prescription drugs. Approximately two thirds of prescription drug abusers get them from family and/or friends. If you believe someone you know is abusing or addicted to prescription drugs, look for these prescription drug warning signs.

How do you find the best Prescription Drug Rehab for you or your loved one?

There are a number of factors to consider in selecting the prescription drug treatment that will work best.

1.Are you or your loved one abusing prescriptions that they are prescribed by your doctor? If so, be sure to have the prescribing doctor involved in the addiction treatment. The need for your prescription will be considered in order to find possible solutions. You will want the addiction treatment provider to work closely with your doctor. Your doctor may replace your prescriptions with non-addictive drugs, or may reduce your dosage, or may offer other alternatives to the drug that is the concern. The important thing is to be honest about your prescription drug use with both the doctor and the rehab staff.

2.Are you or your loved one addicted to opiate-based drugs? If so, your treatment may include medications to aid in your recovery. More addiction treatment rehab centers work with clients who are prescribed medications for recovery from opiate addiction, such as Suboxone and Vivitrol. Consider finding an addiction treatment facility that will work with clients on Vivitrol and/or Suboxone if you are addicted to opiate prescriptions such as vicodin, oxycontin and codeine.

3. What are you or your loved one’s unique characteristics? You will want an addiction rehab choice that works extensively with people having characteristics similar to yours or your loved ones. What is your age? Find addiction treatment options that treat people in your age range. The elderly, young adults and working parents have different treatment needs. What is your gender? Some treatment centers specialize in serving only one gender, some have individualized groups devoted to a specific gender. Both of these alternatives allow you to receive more personalized treatment. What is your sexuality? If you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, consider finding an addiction facility that caters to the unique needs and circumstances of LGBT clients. What is your race, culture, religion and nationality? Look for addiction rehab centers that understand your race, culture and nationality. This will help you feel comfortable, which is very important for your treatment. It also will allow your treatment to be customized to your situation.

4. What is your past treatment experience? If you have received treatment for your addiction in the past, consider what led to your relapse. Would you benefit from treatment that is different in some way from what you experienced in the past? A different location? More involvement from family and friends? One specializing in your unique circumstances? Longer period of treatment? Smaller size?

5. Do you feel comfortable at the facility and with the staff? Seeking treatment is stressful and anxiety provoking. However, even with these feelings, can you imagine feeling comfortable at the treatment location? You will be spending your time at the facility and with the staff. Do you feel welcomed, appreciated and understood? Do you feel like you will be treated with dignity and respect? This is important for your recovery.

If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction to or is abusing prescription drugs, seek help immediately. Prescription drug abuse is dangerous, as shown by the high number of prescription drug overdose deaths mentioned above. New Hope Recovery Center offers individualized treatment for prescription drugs and for many other addictions. You can reach us at 888-707-HOPE (4673) or info@new-hope-recovery.com.

From all the research that has been done in the field of addiction over the past 30-40 years, we know several factors are involved in the development and continuance of addictive behavior. Within the disease model of addiction, we understand the development of an addiction stems from the genes we have inherited. Once these particular genes are activated, the disease progresses, from the point of onset to chronic and often fatal stages, unless it is treated.

Through this medical model, we learn that addiction is a biopsychosocial disease, with many factors contributing to the development of an addiction including our biology or genetics (bio); our thoughts, feelings and emotions (psycho); and our personal histories: the way we were raised, the environmental and cultural cues and messages we are exposed to (social).

Traditional learning theory (specifically operant conditioning) states that we tend to repeat behaviors that are pleasurable, thereby setting up a pattern of action, reward, repeated action. Our brains are hard-wired to be able to learn this way, as it is critical for our survival. For example, when we eat, dopamine is released in the brain, sending the message to repeat the behavior. The concept of making associations is key to learning theory as are the concepts of reinforcement and punishment. Getting a pleasurable response to a behavior (i.e. feeling satisfied after eating a tasty meal) increases the chance that we will seek opportunities to repeat the behavior. On the contrary, being punished after doing a behavior (i.e. getting burned from touching a hot stove) drastically reduces the likelihood we will repeat the behavior.

When looked at against the backdrop of addictive behavior, it is easy to understand how one can get caught up in the cycle of repeating certain behaviors. Although in time, addictive behaviors come with negative consequences (punishments), they are initially paired with the experience of pleasure. In the case of certain drugs and routes of administration (for example shooting heroin), the behavior is paired with extreme pleasure. In learning theory, the stronger the experience of pleasure, the stronger the association will be and therefore, the more likely one will want to repeat the behavior.

Classical conditioning, another subset of learning theory, can explain why formerly neutral stimuli become paired with the anticipation of pleasure as they become cues for the target behavior. Environmental cueing and classical conditioning are theories that account specifically for relapse. For example, a previously neutral or even negative stimulus such as a needle can in and of itself set off the phenomenon known as craving in an individual who is addicted to heroin or crystal methamphetamine. In this case, one may experience intense psychological cravings without even coming into contact with the actual drug, only with the stimuli that have become paired associations with the drug. These intense cravings can easily lead to relapse, if not addressed and dealt with properly.

Further, social learning theory, first explained by Albert Bandura in 1961, also explains addiction in terms of the biopsychosocial model. Social learning theory posits that we can learn and make associations in a social context, simply by observing and imitating the behaviors of others. The behavior(s) being observed are most likely to be repeated if reward is part of the observation. For example, a person watching his/her peers drink, laugh and have fun will pair that association and increase the likelihood that he/she will attempt the behavior as well. This is known as vicarious reinforcement.

With a pattern of addiction, social learning is often responsible for the initiation of drug/alcohol related behavior. Once the addictive process has taken over, social factors fade out and become largely irrelevant to the maintenance of the addiction. As the addiction progresses, opportunities to learn from healthy individuals engaged in healthy or adaptive ways of coping with stress become scarce, as healthy people begin to disengage from the addict and as the addict associates almost exclusively with other addicts or users.

Learning theory, including operant and classical conditioning and social learning can be applied to recovery as well. In recovery, we re-learn the associations made in the brain during our addiction. We pair craving and/or stress with picking up the phone and reaching out to our sober network. We learn to avoid things, people or situations that will lead us back to using. We make daily associations such as waking up in the morning and praying or meditating. And finally, we learn socially acceptable behavior from our sober mentors, family and friends.

New Hope Recovery Center is an alcohol and drug rehab treatment center located in Chicago, IL. We provide Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Aftercare. We also have a LGBTQI specific addiction treatment program entitled "New Hope With Pride.” We offer personalized, holistic treatment by examining the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Our small intimate setting caters to your specific needs and we provide place of support, nurture and safety leading to hope and healing. If you are interested in a confidential assessment, or you know someone who is, call 888-707-4673 to talk to a staff member.

The abuse of prescription drugs has been on an increase for many years. Prescription drug abuse is the nation's fastest-growing drug problem, and the Center's Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) show that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically.

The number of emergency room visits and the number of deaths from prescription drugs has increased greatly over the past 15 years. CDC’s analysis shows that 38,329 people died from a drug overdose in the United States in 2010, up from 37,004 deaths in 2009 and 16,849 in 1999. In 2010, nearly 60 percent of the US drug overdose deaths (22,134) involved pharmaceutical drugs.

It should not be a surprise that the most addictive drugs are also the most abused.

Which Prescription Drugs Are Abused The Most?

The most abused prescription drugs tend to fall into three main categories: opioids, sedatives/depressants and stimulants.

Opioids

Let’s start with the most abused prescription drugs: opioids. These drugs are in the same family as heroin. They are typically prescribed for pain relief and sometimes cough suppression. According to the same CDC report, US overdose deaths involving opioid analgesics have increased from 4,030 deaths in 1999 to 15,597 in 2009 and 16,651 in 2010. So prescription opioid deaths have increased by more than 400% in the past 11 years.

Over two-thirds of Americans abusing prescription drugs are abusing opioids. Opioids are particularly dangerous because they slow the heart and breathing. Opiate addiction frequently begins with a prescription due to an injury or other pain. For some people, opiates are incredibly addictive and your body can become physically dependent on them, which then requires people to take more for the same pain relief or high.

The most commonly abused opioids are:

Generic Name Brand Name

Fentanyl Duragesic, Actiq

Hydrocodone Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet

Hydromorphone Dilaudid

Oxycodone OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan

Codeine Robitussin A-C, Tylenol with Codeine

Propoxyphene Darvon, Darvocet-N

Meperidine Demerol

Depressants

Depressants are the second most abused prescription drug. The most abused prescription depressants fall into three categories: barbiturates, benzodiazepines and sleep medications. Depressants slow brain activity and general body functions, they are generally prescribed for anxiety or as relaxants and sleep aids. In addition to slowing brain activity, they lower blood pressure and slow breathing.

The most commonly abused depressants are:

Generic Name Brand Name

Barbiturates Amytal, Seconal, Phenobarbital

Benzodiazepines Ativan, Halcion, Valium, Xanax

Sleep Medications:

Zolpidem Ambien

Zaleplon Sonata

Eszopiclone Lunestra

Stimulants

Stimulants are most often prescribed for ADHD (attention deficient hyperactivity disorder), ADD (attention deficient disorder) and narcolepsy (sleeping disorder). Stimulants are often abused in order to stay up for longer periods of time. Some feel they aid in concentration or focus, and can be an appetite suppressant.

There is hope for those affected by prescription drug abuse. There are a number of support meetings available across the country. You can also contact New Hope Recovery Center for information about our programs or referrals to programs near you. Info@new-hope-recovery.com, 888-707-HOPE(4673), or www.new-hope-recovery.com.